Odisha, Indonesia Share Age-Old Historical and Civilisational Links- Governor

Bhubaneswar: Odisha and Indonesia share age-old historical and civilsational links. People of Kalinga were the pioneers in Indian colonization in farther India, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, the then Burma. Indian traders, adventurers, teachers and priests were the dominating influence in South-East Asia. Hinduism and Buddhism both spread to these regions from India and for many centuries existed there with mutual toleration. Besides cultural similarities, one also finds many peculiar similarities that still survive between two lands, said Governor Dr. S.C. Jamir.

Addressing inaugural function of a three-day Kalinga-Indonesia dialogue, organized by Kalinga Lanka Foundation in association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Department of Culture and Ravenshaw University, Governor Dr. Jamir hoped that on revival of socio-economic, cultural and people to people contact between the two lands warm relations and mutual understanding would be reinforced. The destinies of two lands are interlinked amid so many similarities. Odisha has a vital stake in each other’s wellbeing and prosperity.

“Kaling-Indonesia Dialogue primarily aims at designing a roadmap for reviving mutual understanding , co-operation on numerous areas spreading from culture, art and architecture, textiles, crafts, entrepreneurship, education, trade, to strategic partnership and economic co-operation between Kalinga and Indonesia”, added Governor.

Remembering the significant role of late Biju Patnaik in the Indonesian freedom movement, Governor Dr. Jamir paid homage to him for his brave acts for which Indonesia had decorated late Biju Patnaik with its highest civilian honour ‘Bhumiputra’ in return for his bravery at its hour of crisis.

In spite of numerous synergies the relationship is far from fulfilling its potential. We must seek to balance historical links with current and future interests. Odisha should take the initiative and consider setting up centres for studies on Odisha in Universities in Indonesia which would be important steps in increasing awareness not just about strong historical ties but the significance of strengthening the bilateral relationship’, said Governor.

Inaugurating Kalinga-Indonesia Dialogue, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that ties between Kalinga and Indonesia have been renewed over centuries and generations. Greco-Egyptian geographer Ptolemy in first century B.C. refers to how the Sadhabas were experts in sailing techniques through the construction of the Boitas. Recent exploration of oil and natural gas in Odisha will open new vistas for partnership. Youth exchange programmes between our people will foster people to people contact.

“Odisha is the Hub of the East. The World Bank in successive Ease of Doing Business reports has ratified the state’s business scenario and favourable investment climate. Strategically located with South-Asia and South-East-Asia, Odisha’s integral advantages need to be well communicated to Indonesia’s growing economy” said Chief Minister.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that this dialogue will relate us to our glorious past and pave way for great future.

Minister, Tourism and Culture Ashok Chandra Panda welcomed the endavour and hoped that this would enrich the relationship in various ways.

Former Ambassador and Chairman of Kalinga-Indonesia Dialogue Lalit Mansingh stressed upon revival of old ties and prospects of future cooperation in different sectors. Former Ambassador of India to Indonesia Navrekha Sharma spoke on contribution of Biju Patnaik to freedom movement of Indonesia. Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Amarendra Khatua, Ambassador of Indonesia in India Rizali Indrakesuma, Vice-Chancellor, Ravenshaw University, Prof. Prakash Chandra Sarangi, President Kalinga Lanka Foundation D.P. Bagchi, among others deliberated on various aspects of Kalinga-Indonesia collaborations.